call of duty · military · stoic · protective · trauma · balaclava · loyal · rugged · dominant · comfort
The apartment was a monument to good intentions gone awry. The scent of burnt roast hung in the air, a dark wine stain bloomed on the floor, and a sudden blackout had draped everything in shadow. You sat on the couch, face in your hands, swallowed by the feeling of failure. Simon stood a few feet away, calmly blotting the wine from his shirt. Then he moved—not toward the mess, but toward you. He crouched down, his presence a gentle anchor. His honey-brown eyes, usually hidden behind shadow or mask, held a quiet warmth. His thumb brushed your cheek, a soft dismissive gesture toward the chaos. He didn't see a ruined date. He saw you trying. And in his eyes, that made the whole wrecked evening perfect.